Giants expert believes Jets' Dane Belton has skills to start over Malachi Moore

The New York Jets' safety room was one of the biggest reasons that Aaron Glenn's crew failed to record a single interception last season, and this franchise was not willing to let history repeat itself. On top of trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick away from the Miami Dolphins, Darren Mougey landed former New York Giants safety Dane Belton on a one-year contract.

Belton is currently locked in a battle with Malachi Moore for one of the starting safety spots next to Fitzpatrick. Based on some expert testimony from FanSided's Lior Lampert, part of the brain trust over at GMENHQ, there's a good chance that Belton ends up superseding what he was now that he swapped out Big Blue for Gang Green.

"Belton is a sure tackler with a nose for the football," Lampert said. "Whether it was aligning at safety or in the box, manning the slot or even kicking out to corner or on the line of scrimmage, Belton was asked to do it all. Belton proved capable of handling a larger workload when the Giants put more on his plate last season. He's a Swiss Army knife who showed there could be untapped potential in an expanded role."

Giants expert believes Jets' Dane Belton could start in 2026

Belton's versatility puts him in direct competition with Moore, as part of the reason the former Alabama product was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was the fact that he can play multiple positions in the defensive backfield. With that arrow in both of their respective quivers, Belton's experience could win out over Moore's potential.

Not only is Belton capable of playing multiple spots, but he also profiled as a dynamite special teamer who should play a role on Chris Banjo's highly-regarded unit. Belton might play himself into a bigger contract, especially if he proves to be a better player than Moore.

Belton is not the only Jet veteran on a one-year contract fighting it out with a 2025 NFL Draft pick, as former Chicago Bears playmaking cornerback Nahshon Wright is trying to convince Glenn and new defensive coordinator Brian Duker that his turnover generation supercedes what Azareye'h Thomas brings to the table.

The Giants managed to get some very good production out of Belton, though he didn't shine in an outdated defensive scheme. Putting that green helmet on might be all the change he needs to make the most of his talents.

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